Francesco Molinari to play in Match Play after all

Francesco Molinari is ranked No. 17 in the world.

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MARANA, Ariz. (AP)  Francesco Molinari of Italy says he will play in the Match Play Championship.

Molinari won the HSBC Champions last year and is No. 17 in the world ranking. He had planned to skip the World Golf Championship because his wife was expecting their first child. She gave birth to a boy Feb. 6, so Molinari says he's going to Arizona.

The Italian announced the news on Twitter: "Decision made, leaving Sunday for Tucson. Looking forward to the Matchplay!"